UA hosts Women Trailblazers Panel March 1

02/22/2012

Annually at The University of Akron, the "Women Trailblazers" event kicks off Women's History Month with a panel discussion featuring distinguished, diverse female leaders from across the country who have achieved remarkable success in their respective fields. This year, the event will be held on Thursday, March 1, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Martin University Center, 105 Fir Hill.

The panel is hosted by the Office of Multicultural Development and co-sponsored by Women’s Resource Center, Center for the History of Psychology, UA Adult Focus and Student African-American Sisterhood.

Panelists include:

April Miller Boise is the vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary at Veyance Techonologies, Inc., the exclusive manufacturer of Goodyear Engineered products. With extensive experience in complex business strategic decisions, she previously was a founder and chair of Spotlight on Women, which advances, promotes and connects women in law and business.

Narcisa Polonio, the vice president of education, research and board leadership services at the Association of Community College Trustees, is a leading authority on community college governance and presidential leadership. With an extensive list of publications, she speaks throughout the country on topics related to governance, leadership and diversity.

Jennifer A. Thomas, Akron program director for the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, has directed $4 million in grants to the Akron community since 2010. With a track record of developing, mentoring and funding, she brings innovation in social and technological entrepreneurship to the panel discussion.

Melba Vasquez, psychologist, was the first Latina and woman of color to serve as the president of the American Psychological Association. Highly recognized as a strong leader in feminism, multiculturalism and social justice, she is devoted to mentoring early career feminist psychologists.

Candace Campbell Jackson, vice president and chief of staff at The University of Akron, will serve as moderator. The Women of Color Foundation Training and Leadership Development Institute named her the 2009 Professional Woman of the Year, and Kaleidoscope magazine listed her in its “40-40 Club Class of 2006.”